Volume 39 Number 1 The Good News Paper January 2018

Valley View Community School Students Will Be

Featured at State Exhibit in March
Farmington 500 Volunteer
Opportunities Available
Have you ever thought of getting involved in an
Organization where you could impact hundreds of
kid’s lives? Do you currently volunteer within the
Farmington 500 and are interested in taking on more
responsibility? If so, the Farmington 500 Boys and
Girls Club has several openings for volunteers that are
waiting for you. If any of the positions listed below
are of interest or you would like more details, please
e-mail board@farmington500.org for more
information. Available positions include:
• Board of Directors
• Softball Director
• Fundraising Director
• Basketball Director (2019/2020)
• Concessions Director
The volunteers and children of the Farmington 500
Boys and Girls club really are looking forward to
working with you in the coming year. Thank you for
your interest in helping the children Farmington.
Publishing Good News in Farmington, NH since 1979
2018 Issues Compose Volume
39 and Fourth Year as Editor
By Stan Freeda
It is hard to believe that I have been editing the
Puddledock for three full years now! Moving into
my fourth year as editor, I hope to use my past
experiences and knowledge to continue to improve
the quality of the paper in both look and content.
Volume 39 also marks the year leading up to our
40th Anniversary. The first issue was published in
December of 1979, so the December 2019 issue will
be our 40th anniversary issue. I hope that the
Puddledock Press continues to meet your
expectations for Farmington’s “Good News Paper”,
and I invite are loyal readers to contact me and let
me know what kinds of things you would like to see
in the paper, and any suggestions you have to make
it better. I invite individuals, clubs, and
organizations to submit photos and articles to be
printed in the paper on a regular basis. And I would
like to express my sincerest thank you to our
volunteer staff members, and our loyal advertisers.
We could not print the Puddledock without you.

The Puddledock Press is published monthly by an all volunteer

staff. To have a news item, or story of local interest considered
for publication, please submit via email to
PuddledockPress@gmail.com, attach any photos or images to
your email, along with your full name, address, phone number,
and organization, if appropriate. 603.755.2525.
Articles and photos are printed at the discretion of the staff, space
permitting. Advertizing is available at monthly, semiannual and
yearly rates. We are always looking for volunteers to help us. For
more information, please email or visit us at
www.PuddledockPress.org.

Our Volunteer Staff

Stan Freeda..................................Managing Editor
JoAnn Doke..................................Editorial Advisor
Angie Cardinal...................Online Events Calendar
Kyle Leach........................Reviews & Social Media
Debbie Reed..................................Food & Recipes
Kimberly Simmons......................Life with Animals
Megan White.................Distribution Site Delivery
Mike...............................Distribution Site Delivery

The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH January 2018 Page 2

 Happenings at
Farmington
High School
by Brian Zawacki
All winter sports (three
basketball teams and spirit)
are now playing. Recently,
student government has been
revived in Farmington High
School. Meetings are scheduled to take place every
Monday during B block of REAL Time. Primary
goals consist of encouraging student participation in
both school and community and attempting to
improve Farmington High School’s reputation.
Members are currently in discussion of how to
achieve these goals and already have begun plans to
advance these goals. The National Honors Society
was scheduled to work with Tigers 2 Tigers on
Sunday, December 17th to assist with the Mustard
Seed Cafe Community Dinner, however, the dinner
had to be canceled. Finally, last month Farmington
High School was visited by Justin and Ryan of
Recycled Percussion, where one of the members told
his story of how he formed the group. The students
and staff gave them a very cheerful and welcome
reception.
The Student Opinion Survey got more responses.
The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH
Student opinion is divided regarding REAL Time,
with some appreciating the help and time for work it
grants, and others expressing reservations regarding
the number of classes they take in school and the need
to add VLACS classes as a result. A similar split has
occurred regarding the school dress code, but details
have yet to be gathered. Students seem to have an
objection to how discipline is being handled, but
again the details are not yet known. Questions about
disciplinary actions and the dress code in more detail
in a future survey.
Photo Credit: KJ Cardinal
Conservation Commission
Hosts Bug Talk
The Farmington Conservation Commission will host a
presentation by Alicia Geilen, from the UNH
Cooperative Extension’s Speaking for Wildlife
program. Alicia will present “NH Bugs: The Big
Three Invasive Forest Pests and How to Spot Them”
on January 24, 2018 at 6:00 PM in the Community
Room of the Public Safety Building at 160 N Main
Street in Farmington. NH Bugs will inform the
audience about three invasive insects of greatest
concern to our trees and forests: emerald ash borer,
hemlock woolly adelgid, and Asian longhorned
beetle. The presentation will provide information
about the life cycles, identifying signs and symptoms
of infestations, and management techniques for each
of the pests. The public is welcome to attend.
January 2018 Page 3
 Around the Town
Humans have always had hobbies. It started out with
smaller hobbies, such as swimming, hunting, and
drawing on cave walls, that kept us busy during the
long days. The origins of the word “hobby” suggest
that initially it was the word given to pursuits that
others thought somewhat childish or trivial. In 1676,
Sir Matthew Hale, in Contemplations Moral and
Divine, wrote “Almost every person hath some hobby
horse or other wherein he prides himself.” He was
January Happenings Around the Town
Senior Bingo
10:00 AM Wednesday, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Farmington
Town Hall
Budget Committee Meetings
6:00 PM Wednesday, January 3 (School Budget Public Hearing),
24, 31; Thursday, January 11 (Snow Date for School Budget
Public Hearing); Farmington Municipal Building
Farmington Responds Support Group
10:00 AM Friday, January 5, 12, 19, 26; 480 Main Street,
Farmington
3:00 PM Monday, January 8, 15, 22, 29; 480 Main Street,
Farmington
Farmington Historical Society Meeting
6:00 PM Friday, January 5; Goodwin Library lower level
Lego Club
10:30 AM Saturday, January 6, 13, 21, 27; Goodwin Library
Mustard Seed Cafe Community Meal
3:00 - 5:00 PM Sunday, January 7, 21; First Congregational
Church, Main Street, Farmington
Select Board Meeting
6:00 PM Monday, January 8, 22; 29 Farmington Municipal
Building
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, January 15;
The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH
January 2018
January is National Hobby Month
acknowledging that a “hobby horse” produces a
legitimate sense of pride. By the mid-18th century
hobbies flourished as working people had more
regular hours of work and greater leisure time.
However, there was concern that these working
people might not use their leisure time in worthwhile
pursuits. The hope of weaning people away from bad
habits by the provision of counter-attractions came to
the fore in the 1830’s. This has rarely waned since.
Community Breakfast
8:00 Am Saturday, January 27; First Congregational Church,
Main Street, Farmington
Community Food Pantry Open
9:30 Am Saturday, January 27; First Congregational Church,
Main Street, Farmington
Blessed Bargains Open
9:30 Am Saturday, January 27; First Congregational Church,
Main Street, Farmington
Community Meal
4:00 PM Sunday, January 28; First Baptist Church Grove and
Church Street, Farmington
Tigers Sweep the Rams
On December 20, the varsity basketball teams
swept rival Nute on Wednesday night in front of a
big crowd for the first varsity doubleheader of the
season. Behind a game-high 31 points from Katie
Martineau, the FHS girls cruised to a 55-10 victory,
while on the boys side the Tigers were victorious
60-24. Martineau finished the night with 943 career
points and is now just 57 points shy of 1,000.
January 2018 Page 4
Farmington Annual Holiday
Tree Lighting on December 1
On December 1, festive folks filled the town center and
celebrated the first time the holiday tree and lights were
on this season.

The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH January 2018 Page 5

 Above: Fourth graders from
Mrs. Pomeroy's class at Henry
Wilson went to visit Mrs. Hill's
preschool class. The 4th
graders read the preschoolers
fairy tales that they had written.
The students made a craft
together and enjoyed snack!
Photo credit: Guiselle Pomeroy
Left: December 20th was a
great night at FHS. Two
victories for the Tigers and Ugly
Sweater Night. The girls team
coming out for warm-ups in
their ugly sweaters was
awesome.
Photo credit: KJ Cardinal

The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH January 2018 Page 6


Friday, January 1, 1932
New Year's Eve Dance and Card Party
This Thursday evening, the local welfare committee
will hold a New Year's Dance, card party, and oyster
stew supper in the town hall for the benefit of the
relief fund for needy in this town. The large
advance sale of tickets indicates that a great many
people are responsive to the appeal for public
assistance in cases where extreme need exists. All
who attend this welfare dance are assured of a good
time for competent committees are in charge of all
details. Music for modern and old-fashioned
dancing will be furnished by the welfare orchestra,
under the leadership of John M. Place. At the same
time, the lower hall will be open for card playing to
entertain those who do not care to dance. At
intermission, an oyster stey supper will be served.
Let all welcome the new year 1932 with a helping
hand extended to those who are temporarily in need
of aid.
Polishes Instantly
Needles very often become sticky after sewing with
them for a while. If the needle is run through the
hair it becomes smooth and easy to sew with in a
second. Rust can be taken off by putting the needle
on the floor and rubbing it backwards and forwards
with the sole of the shoe.
Milk Pasteurization
Experimental evidence indicates that pasteurization
does not injure the chemical or nutritive value of
milk to an appreciable degree. It is possible that
vitamin C, which protects against scurvy is injured
or destroyed by pasteurization, but that is of little
importance. except in the feeding of infants.
Upcoming Monthly Meeting: January 5
Meeting at 6:00 PM; Museum presentation by
Curator Kyle Leach at 7:00 PM!
The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH
Puddledock Wish List for 2018
As we move into the new year, here are a few things
we need to improve our good news and community
information. Contact PuddledockPress@gmail.com
School District Student Reporters/Writers
We would love to cover more academics, athletics,
and other events at the schools. But we currently lack
the ability to attend all events and report on what’s
happening. One or more students willing to join our
volunteer staff and cover the schools would be an
awesome addition for 2018.
Increased Community Involvement
Lots of activities and events come and go in our town,
but only a few of them make the paper. In order to
include a broader range of good news, we need our
town folks to submit pictures and stories for printing.
Make a resolution to send at least one photo and story
to the Puddledock Press in the coming year. It’s
easier than you think and a great way to contribute.
Special Interest Column Writer
As you know, we lost our Healthy Living column
when Dr. Naro moved out of town. We also lost our
Farmington Corner columnist the year before when
John Nolan retired. Both John and Tom made
substantial contributions to the hometown feeling of
the paper and are greatly missed. We thank both of
these gentlemen for their contributions. Also a big
thanks to Debbie Reed and Kimberly Simmons for
their monthly contributions. If you have an idea for a
monthly column, let us know.
More Ads from Local Businesses
Business owners, please consider supporting the
Puddledock with an ad or ad package. And a big
“Thank You” to our current advertisers.
January 2018 Page 7
Superintendent Ruth Ellen Vaughn Outlines Strategic Plan
and Budget Priorities for Future of Our School District
“It’s a fact,” says Superintendent Ruth Ellen Vaughn,
“Excellence is in sight!” Good news for Farmington
residents, and even better news for our students!
Superintendent Vaughn began a presentation of the
school budget for the town and Budget Committee on
December 20 with those words. Speaking to a packed
house, and supported by school board members, and
administrators, Ruth Ellen outlined the results of a
recent survey taken in order to define the priorities of
our town citizens and what direction they wanted the
school district to take. The survey was the first part
of the development of a strategic plan for
improvement. The school board gave Superintendent
Vaughn a charge of putting the Farmington School
District in the top ten schools in New Hampshire in
the next ten years. “I take that charge very seriously,”
Vaughn states often.
The broad goals for the district’s Strategic Innovation
Plan come from the priorities uncovered by the
survey. And her use of the word “fact” had double
meaning. More correctly spelled “FAC3T” is an
anagram for Facilities, Achievement, Curriculum,
Community Communication, and Technology, the
categories of district improvement included in the
district’s Strategic Innovation Plan. It’s both clever
Available now!
Rooms are Available!
Please Call for Details.
The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH
and powerful and the district is not shying away
from the challenge. The details of the plan, outlined
below, form the basis for the school budget, which
has been kept lower than last year’s school budget.
Facilities
● Buildings to be in good repair with all systems
on a regular maintenance and replacement
schedule by 2027.
● Roofs replaced for HWMS by 2023; FHS by
2025; plan for VVCS by 2027.
● Access road to FHS and VVCS for secondary
egress to be in place by 2027.
Achievement
● Portrait of a Farmington Graduate complete by
late 2018.
● Assessment scores place Farmington students in
the top 50% of students on the NH State
assessments by 2022 and the top 10% by 2027.
● Percentage of graduates with post-secondary
placement plans (college, vocational/career,
military) increases to 100% by 2027.
Curriculum
● By 2020, curriculum adoption and review
schedule of vertically aligned curriculum in
place. NEAS&C site visit complete for FHS.
● Full competency-based grade reporting to be in
place for FHS by 2022; by 2027 for HWMS and
VVCS.
Community Communication/Relations
● Communications plan and regular feedback
loops in place for information delivery to
community and return comment by 2020.
● By 2022, Community perceptions survey will
have 70% positive responses. By 2027, the same
survey will show 90% positive responses.
Technology
● By 2021, FHS will be fully 1:1 with technology
implementation. HWMS 1:1 by 2023; VVCS 1:1
by 2025.
● Security systems will be fully upgraded by 2020
following state security audit this winter.
There will be a public hearing with the Budget
Committee on January 3, and the School
Deliberative Session will be at the High School
Gym on Saturday, February 3 at 9:00 AM.
January 2018 Page 8
 Should also include animals.
I try very hard to be the change I wish to see in the
world (Gandhi) and sometimes I even get it right.
Resolve to Be Kinder None of us, animal or human, are perfect, and the
Every year, on January 1st, people all over the world more I remind myself of that, the easier it is to be
make New Years resolutions. These resolutions are kind.
usually about quitting something bad for them, like Kimberly Simmons is the owner of For PETS,
smoking, getting healthier by eating better or Pawsitive Education, Training & Services, LLC. in
exercising, finding a better job, etc. This year I am Farmington
going to ask that people resolve to be kinder.
Whatever you ask from your furry, feathered or scaled Goodwin Library Ginger
companions, ask kindly. Show your humanity by Bread House Winners
treating all life the way you would want to be treated. Here are the winners of the Gingerbread House
As a lifelong animal care provider I have watched the contest a the Goodwin Library. Congrats to our
evolution of the animal care industry. I have seen the winners and thank-you to all of our participants. We
industry go from being largely about using punitive, can't wait to see what is built next year!
often unethical, borderline abusive and abusive
methods for care, handling and training to learning
that reinforcing the behaviors we desire produces
better results, and builds stronger bonds; not to
mention is kinder.
I believe that one measure of the character of a human
being is how they treat those that are weaker than
themselves; how they handle themselves when in a
position of power over another life. The animals in
our care certainly qualify as being under our power. First Place: House #11;
Second Place: House #4
We control when they eat, where they sleep, how they
are taught the 'rules' of living with us, where they can
relieve themselves and every other aspect of their
lives including, in many cases, when they will die.
Our pets should learn how to be good house-mates
with us, but it can be done kindly. Training can be
done without hitting, shocking, choking, frightening
and intimidating our animals. Food chain animals can
be raised humanely in clean conditions, have kind
handling, and humane slaughter methods can be used. Third Place: Tie between House #1 and House #2
Local farms like Bickford's Diamond B Farm in New
Durham, and The Moore Farm in Alton, are good
examples of humane farming.
This kindness can extend to our human animal
community as well. Pick up after your dog on walks.
Check on barking dogs; maybe your neighbor needs
help in some way. Offer realistic solutions for issues
surrounding animal disputes. Respect that sometimes
things happen and they can happen to you too. Help
stray animals if you can safely do so. Make pet food
runs for your elderly neighbor. In essence, do unto
others as you would have others do unto you. This
The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH January 2018 Page 9

Savor The Flavor is getting geared up to have a
wonderful “2018” filled with new ideas and recipes.
We are looking forward to bringing to you those
things which we hope you will enjoy~ We would like
to have you participate in this article. “Happy New
Year” everyone.
Non-Alcoholic New Year’s Eve
Punch
Ingredients
4 liters of ginger ale
2 quarts of orange juice
2 oranges sliced into rounds
20 red maraschino cherries
Directions
Mix all ingredients in a punch bowl. Slice the oranges
and arrange the cherries inside of the center of the
oranges.. Let them float. This is festive and fun.
~~ENJOY~~
Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Shrimp
Ingredients
12 jump shrimp (deveined)
¼ fresh pineapple cut into bite size chunks or 1- 14
oz can of pineapple in natural juice (drained)
6 slices of center cut bacon (cut ½ cut crosswise)
12 wooden toothpicks
Directions
Heat a non stick skillet over medium heat. Holding
the shrimp, nestle a piece of pineapple in the curve of
the shrimp and secure with a toothpick. Wrap and
secure all the shrimp. Add to the hot pan and sear for
approximately 3 minutes on both sides until bacon is
crisp and shrimp are opaque and firm. ~~ENJOY~~
Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini
Ingredients
6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup whipping cream
1 package (1 lb) linguine, cooked and drained
4 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 jar (4 oz) diced pimientos, drained
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
4-5 drops of hot sauce (optional)
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese.
Note: You can also use leftover chicken instead of
turkey.
Directions
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add
the flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne; stir until smooth.
Gradually add broth; bringing to a boil Cook and stir
for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat, stir
in cream. Mix 2 cups sauce with the linguine; pour into
a greased 13x9 inch baking dish. Make a well in the
middle of the noodles. Leaving about a 6 inch x 4 inch
space. To the remaining sauce, add turkey and/or
chicken; mushrooms, pimientos, parsley and optional
hot pepper sauce and mix well. Pour into center of dish.
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Cover and bake at 350
degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 20-30 more
minutes or until bubbly and heated through. Yield 8-10
servings. ~~ENJOY~~
Caprese Appetizer Bites
Ingredients
8 oz of mozzarella balls
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp italian seasoning
¼ crushed red pepper flakes
Dash kosher salt
24 cherry tomatoes
1 cup balsamic vinegar
24 basil leaves
Directions
In a small bowl, mix together mozzarella, olive oil,
italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes and kosher
salt. Set aside.
Assemble skewers: Layer a cherry tomato , basil leaf,
marinated mozzarella ball and another cherry tomato.
Place on your serving platter.
Make balsamic glaze: In a small saucepan or skillet,
bring balsamic vinegar to a low simmer. Let thicken
until syrupy, approximately 15 minutes. Set aside.
Drizzle skewers with balsamic glaze and serve.
~~ENJOY~~
January 2018 Page 10
Kids Can Cook Kids love to mix and stir. Here is one hours at 225 degrees F. Serves 6 ~~ENJOY~~
of the favorites the children can make and everyone, even Note: You can even use a cheaper cut of beef,
the adults will love this quick party New Years Eve party because after 6 hours of cooking it will come out
snack. fork tender.
Taco Snack Mix New Year’s Day Dinner TriFLe
Ingredients Ingredients
3 cups of baked cheese crackers ½ of a large angel food cake cake
2 cups of buttered pretzel sticks 1 pint of frozen strawberries
1 cup of peanuts (or nut mix) 2 small boxes of strawberry jello
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil 1 family size box of vanilla pudding mix
2 tablespoons of dry taco seasoning mix 1 medium size can peaches, drained
Directions ½ cup coconut
Add the crackers in a large microwave safe mixing 1 pint of whipping cream
bowl. Add pretzels and peanuts (nuts) and toss to ½ cup sugar
combine, add the oil. Sprinkle with taco seasoning 1 teaspoon vanilla
mix and again mix well. Microwave on high for 2 1 cup miniature marshmallows
minutes, remove and stir with wooden spoon. Return Directions
to the microwave and cook for another 2 minutes. Make jello according to package directions using 2
Allow to stand for 5 minutes to cool. ~~ ENJOY~~ cups boiling water. Cool slightly, then add frozen
Ham and Red Pepper Spread strawberries for the rest of the water. Make pudding
Ingredients mix according to package directions except cut milk
1 ½ cups diced ham (about 8 oz) down to ½ cp. Cook until done, cool. (Do not use
1 cup diced roasted red peppers instant pudding) Whip cream, add sugar, vanilla
½ tsp smoked paprika and marshmallows. Layer ingredients in a 4 quart
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar crystal bowl. Break cake into small pieces. Place ⅓
8 oz cream cheese - softened of cake on bottom of bowl; top with ⅓ jello mixture,
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley then ⅓ of pudding, then ½ peaches, ½ of coconut
Directions and ⅓ whipping cream. Repeat, ending with
Pulse ham, peppers, paprika, and vinegar in food whipped cream. Garnish with walnuts and cherries.
processor until the ham is finely chopped. Transfer ~~ENJOY~~
the mixture to a medium bowl. Add cream cheese and Savor The Flavor is extremely happy to be part of
parsley. Stir until smooth. the Puddledock Press. We have had a wonderful
Note: Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days. year and we hope that you have enjoyed each recipe
that came your way. I hope that you will send in
New Year’s Eve Oven Roast Beef
your ideas and recipes this year. Next month we will
Brisket be serving up some Valentine recipes that we hope
Ingredients you will enjoy. Until next month, please take some
6 lbs beef brisket time in your busy day to Savor The Flavor.
½ lb carrots (cut into small pieces) deborahlouisereed@gmail.com 603-755-3012
3 stalks of celery (cut into small pieces)
3 medium onion, peeled and chunked
3 garlic cloves
1 - (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
⅓ cup brown sugar
Directions
In a large bowl combine tomatoes, beef broth and
brown sugar; stir well. Pour over the top of the
brisket and vegetables and bake in the oven for 6

The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH January 2018 Page 11

The Puddledock Press of Farmington, NH January 2018 Page 12